Persuasion

Persuasion Summary

More than seven years prior to the events in the novel, Anne Elliot falls in love with a handsome and ambitious, but poor, naval officer named Frederick Wentworth. Sir Walter, Anne's father and lord of the family estate of Kellynch, and her older sister Elizabeth are dissatisfied with her choice, maintaining that he is not distinguished enough for their family. Her older friend and mentor, Lady Russell, acting in place of Anne's deceased mother, persuades her to break off the match.

Now, at age 27 and getting closer every day to being considered a spinster, Anne re-encounters her former fiancé when his sister and brother-in-law, the Crofts, reside at Kellynch. Wentworth, now a captain, is wealthy from wartime victories in the Royal Navy and from prize-money for capturing enemy ships. However, he has not forgiven Anne for her rejection of him.

The self-interested machinations of Anne's father, her older sister Elizabeth, Elizabeth's friend Mrs. Clay, and William Elliot (Anne's cousin and her father's heir) constitute important subplots.

This version of 'Persuasion' by Jane Austen has been designed and compiled by MeeQi.